John J. Oberto

DULUTH, Minn. - John J. Oberto of Iron Belt, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth while being held by his loving family.

He was born in Ramsay, Michigan, to John A. and Helen (Juno) Oberto. He attended grade school in Iron Belt and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School with the class of 1966. He then attended Stout State University, graduating with a degree in industrial arts.

While at Stout, he played with a traveling rock and roll band and described that as some of the best fun in his life. When he returned to the area, he played music with The Members of the Bar for many years.

After teaching in the Hurley School District for five years, he enjoyed a successful career as a State Farm Insurance Agent for 46 years, retiring in 2024.

John was an avid hunter and fisherman, was honored to be a hunter safety instructor, loved enjoying the outdoors with his grandson, and was pretty proud of bagging a buffalo with one shot.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary (Colmer) Oberto; daughters, Nicolina "Nina" Oberto, Gina (John Semo) Ludwikowski; grandson, Wyatt (Calli Niemi) Haanpaa; brother, Donald (Rhonda) Oberto; niece, Kelly (Eric) Wilkerson and family; and cousins near and far.

John will be remembered for making a "short story long" and always having a new joke in his pocket.

At John's request, no services will be held. He did hope you'd think of him the next time you enjoy a fun-sized candy bar.